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Torah Study Bill Clears First Reading, Sparks Aid Controversy

7/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Basic Law: Torah Study bill passed its first Knesset reading 63-53 and moved to the House Committee.
MK Moshe Gafni demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keep the law unchanged despite legal adviser Sagit Afik’s warning that it could grant Torah students the same aid as IDF reservists.
Coalition whip Ofir Katz said lawmakers may file reservations before the committee vote, possibly delaying the bill.

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Story summary

The Basic Law: Torah Study bill passed its first Knesset reading 63-53 and moved to the House Committee.
MK Moshe Gafni demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu keep the law unchanged despite legal adviser Sagit Afik’s warning that it could grant Torah students the same aid as IDF reservists.
Coalition whip Ofir Katz said lawmakers may file reservations before the committee vote, possibly delaying the bill.